The Dassel-Cokato School Board gave the OK to begin the hiring process for nearly eight full-time employees for next school year at the March, 27 meeting.

Positions recommended for hiring were discussed at the February 4 special board meeting and include the following:

• half-time kindergarten teacher at Cokato Elementary

• full-time fourth grade teacher at Dassel Elementary

• full-time third grade teacher at Cokato Elementary

• .32 physical education and music increase between Dassel and Cokato elementary schools

• .4 social worker at Cokato Elementary

• full-time fifth grade teacher

• full-time sixth grade teacher

• full-time math remediation

• half-time remedial math/reading instructor for the high school

• half-time foreign language instructor for high school

• full-time science instructor at the high school

• .17 in art in the high school

Along with this, the board approved two textbooks for next year, including books for an advanced placement biology course to be offered in the high school and a middle school family and consumer science textbook.

The board also approved having half-day kindergarten on Fridays along with their regular two full days.

“This brings much more consistency to the kids,” Force said, following the meeting.

In other business, the board received a quote of $11,000 to install the boardroom with microphones, video, and other equipment for broadcasting the meetings.

For now, the board asked Superintendent Jeff Powers to research the costs of adding microphones at each board member station and a tilted video camera for recording.

The board heard from the subcommittee in charge of the superintendent’s evaluation. The subcommittee, which consisted of board members Cary Linder, Kevin Bjork, and Denise Ertl, reported the evaluation was complete and that Jeff Powers is meeting and/or, exceeding their expectations.

The board also awarded Ellyse Kallgren the March Courtesy and Respect award.

Odds and ends

The board approved:

• personnel items including a family medical leave of absence for Virginia Grosser for up to 12 weeks, the resignation of Kristin Glur as head gymnastics coach, a list of spring coaching assignments as presented, and a lane change for Ryan Weinandt.

• driver’s education training policy. Only minor changes were made, including the exclusion of the fee schedule which can change from year to year.

• discontinuing the mailings of direct deposit slips, which saves on labor and supplies. Employees can receive statements via an Internet site.

• the revised 2007-08 budget, which shows the district is operating under a balanced budget (revenue equals expenditures), according to Tina Palmer, district business manager.

• a decrease in staff development funding from 2 percent to 1 percent of the basic general education aid. The state mandates a 2 percent reserve for staff development unless voted upon by the teacher’s association and the school board.

• the ratification of the 2007-08 building and grounds supervisor contract and the type III driver’s contract.

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